5 Reasons Why Boston Celtics Should Draft Marcus Smart

5 Reasons Why Boston Celtics Should Draft Marcus Smart

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Since the Boston Celtics' season has been atrocious, it's time to start looking ahead to the offseason, particularly the 2014 NBA Draft. We'll start looking at realistic possibilities and analyzing which players would fit best with the Celtics next season. The Celtics are projected to have the No. 4 pick in the draft, and Marcus Smart would be a great selection at that point.

Here are five reasons why Smart would be a perfect fit in Boston.

5. Easily Fits Into Celtics' Lineup

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5. Easily Fits Into Celtics' Lineup

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Smart would be be a great fit in Boston because he can easily be plugged into the lineup. If Boston drafts Smart, it won't re-sign Avery Bradley, thus Smart would take over as the starting shooting guard. Smart, who is not a true point guard, would benefit playing on the wing with Rajon Rondo at the helm. Or the Celtics could go a different direction and trade Rondo, which would give Smart the keys at the point guard position.

4. Versatility

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4. Versatility

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Smart, a prototypical combo-guard, would add some much needed versatility to Boston. He can run the offense at the one, and can score in a variety of ways at the two. Rondo and Bradley can only play one position. Smart, also versatile on defense, can guard either guard position and brings as much intensity as Bradley does.

3. Leadership

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3. Leadership

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He may have made a few bone-head mistakes, but Smart is a team-oriented, unselfish player and a true leader on the court. An attitude adjustment may be necessary, but Smart leads his pack to each and every battle. The guard dictates the pace and plays as hard as anyone.

2. Determination

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2. Determination

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Smart's drive to win is extremely admirable and makes him a better player. He is a determined competitor with a winner's mentality. Boston happens to have a tradition of winning, and Smart would fit that criteria.

1. Skills and Abilities

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1. Skills and Abilities

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Now the obvious. Smart is one of the best scorers in college basketball, and he does it in a variety of ways. He is a nice, polished, mid-range jumper and can catch-and-shoot effectively. With strength and power, he can drive to the basket at will and finish strongly. He's a willing passer with great playmaking ability. Lacking elite speed, he's not very explosive, but makes up for it with his strength. He'll sore a lot with the Celtics.